Sports Performance Therapists in New York, NY
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Ksenia Pelikan (Makarova)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
As a former professional athlete, I have lived the structured, rigid, demanding
sports
life. I know what it is like to be challenged, and push yourself through successes and failures without giving up. Therapy helped me and gave me a safe space to say whatever I had on my mind. Let me give you that safe space to support you through the ups and downs.

Nick Fernandez
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified
Verified
I also have experience working with Peak Performance issues, job coaching, and
sports psychology
.
I believe it is important to always take an individualized approach to therapy based on the specific needs of each of client. I like to take an active approach to therapy that incorporates contemporary clinical research findings with evidence-based therapeutic models. I integrate both psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to provide a collaborative and supportive therapeutic experience.

Lauren D'Ambrosio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
A former celebrated varsity college athlete, I use that experience to better understand individuals under performance-based pressures;
sports
, actors, performers, artists, entrepreneurs and more.
I understand and honor the courage needed to take the first step towards change in your life. Navigating the human condition can often be immensely painful and this is why I believe so strongly in compassionate and supportive therapeutic engagement. The beauty and growth in life that we are all seeking is often discovered amidst pain and discomfort. My training and experience allow me to comprehend the human experience, which can include trauma, life stressors, and circumstances from the past and/or present that leave people feeling stuck and confused. I especially enjoy working with the LGBTQIA community.

Daniel Kadish
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Sport psychology can help athletes address topics including: managing emotions and negative self talk; maintaining focus during practices and competitions; more effectively communicating with coaches and teammates; assessing strengths, areas in need of improvement, and authentic goals; and increasing enjoyment of
sports
.
As a clinical and sport psychologist, I generally work with clients who are seeking to reach higher levels of professional, athletic and academic achievement, yet are struggling with various types of anxiety. Issues may include fear of public performance, social nervousness, panic, perfectionism, and excessive worry. I frequently support athletes and student-athletes in learning to improve athletic performance with mental skills training while managing social, academic, and work pressures.

Joan S Ingalls
Counselor, EdD, LMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I help people with the emotional and mental challenges of
sports
, theater and business performance.
People come to me with emotionally painful life issues - anxiety, depression, and troubled or failed relationships. I help them go beyond problem solving to creating richer, fuller lives. With over 30 years experience, I am an actively engaged therapist committed to helping my clients grow emotionally. Please contact me by email. I will respond promptly to email inquiries. If you prefer to text, please do so, but no voice messages please.

Lana Krichmar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My goal is to provide my clients with skills they can use on their own and also help them identify what is personally meaningful to them and address barriers to life satisfaction and improved relationships and individual performance, specifically as it relates to
sports
.
Finding a psychologist who is a good fit, especially at the time of emotional crisis can be challenging. To find someone who is empathic, but also direct and firm, who is not afraid to call you out when you most need it, someone who understands the real life challenges of being a parent, teen, or young adult and who approaches challenges with a sense of humor and compassion, someone who has the right training, expertise, and schedule, can be daunting, to say the least. I am a CBT/DBT trained and practicing psychologist who is compassionate and direct.

Kamila Zapytowska Usuki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My background in performing arts and
sports
(including Broadway and Olympics) makes me additionally aware of various pressures that can hinder personal and professional growth.
Difficulties in personal or professional life can make anyone feel overwhelmed, confused or hopeless. Relationship problems, health issues, loss, pain or traumatic past can add to the distress. Getting through these obstacles doesn't have to be a lonely process. In a supportive and confidential atmosphere, we can discuss your thoughts and feelings, and together, make sense of your unique life's circumstances, whether you are in crisis, caught up in relationship conflicts, facing identity questions or repeating patterns that don't always bring positive outcomes.

TriState SportPsych
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, CMPC
Verified
Verified
coaches,
sports
medicine personnel, parents).
TriState SportPsych provides sport psychology services for athletes of all ages and levels of competition. At TriState SportPsych we consider it our mission to inspire athletes and those around them to connect, enjoy, and achieve by delivering the newest innovations in the rapidly evolving field of sport psychology. At TriState SportPsych, we deeply enjoy working with athletes (youth to professional) as they take steps towards mastery and wellness both in life and sport. Visit us at www.tristatesportpsych.com

Isaac Zur
PhD, CMPC, MHC, BCB
Dr. Zur is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, a Mental Health Counselor, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the exercise science program at Lehman College. He has been practicing and teaching
sports
and performance psychology for over a decade. As a Karate athlete, a goalie for soccer, and a former special forces soldier, who has worked with athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and
sports
, including Olympians and professional athletes, he understands the challenges associated with peak performance. Dr. Zur helps athletes build mental toughness and perform under pressure.

Don Greif
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have sub-specialties in
sports psychology
and forensic evaluations/expert testimony.
I like working with people who want to know themselves better and are open to looking at their lives in a way they may not have done before. Most people seek psychological help because they want relief from pain and to feel more satisfied in their relationships, work, and with themselves. However, when they engage in examining their lives, things can take surprising turns that not only helps them achieve their goals but often results in redefining what they want in life.

Melissa Corpus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
As Executive Director and Clinical Supervisor, I oversee a group practice that provides a broad range of clinical services, including neuropsychological assessment, consultation, and therapeutic services. Neuropsychological evaluations include: COVID-19 cognitive assessment, memory, ADHD, autism, learning disorders, and concussion/TBI. Forensic services include: expert testimony, Independent Medical Evaluations (IME), and fitness for duty examinations for law enforcement. I also provide consultative services for select teams in the NBA and NHL (e.g., concussion and
sports performance
), as well as assessment for media/television.

Talia Seder
MHC-LP
Verified
Verified
Do you ever feel anxious or need help dealing with stress? Do you wish someone would listen, hear you, and help you figure out successful coping strategies? With authenticity, thoughtfulness, and a splash of humor, we will explore the challenges you face and develop tools to help you in the future, while building trust in a warm and welcoming, judgment-free zone. I have experience working with young adults and adults from all backgrounds experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship/intimacy issues, life transitions, career/
sports performance
stress, cultural/religious identity confusion, time management issues, and self esteem issues.

Jacqueline L Simon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Other areas: exercise motivation/
sports psychology
, eating disorders, alternative lifestyles.
I see each person and situation as unique, and modify the therapeutic relationship to meet the individual needs of my clients. I work collaboratively, offering feedback and reciprocal exchanges in each session. I also focus on helping people use their individual and unique strengths to live more meaningful, balanced lives, and to maintain more satisfying relationships.

Julie Lilien
LMSW, MS
My background in competitive
sports
gives me the drive and focus to help my clients also break down issues into smaller goals.
My ideal client is a male/female in their late 20's, 30's, 40's or 50's who has a specific life issue they want to resolve. Whether that's an issue with dating, getting into a relationship and maintaining it, wanting to start a family, or challenges in your marriage, I am extremely good at dissecting the life issues and mapping out a plan for moving forward. i am an expert at helping solve parenting issues with divorced or separated couples. I understand relationships at every age and stage.

Deborah Yamin Manocchia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My specialties are treating anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, eating issues,
sports performance
, relational & parenting issues, and trauma.
The foundation of my practice comes from a strong belief in the importance of building a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. My practice is based on an integrated approach, utilizing clinical models that are best for the client, helping you make positive changes, finding and cultivating your strengths, meeting your goals, and relieving distress. I will actively engage with you in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, and work collaboratively. Working with clients who are open to becoming more self aware and improving their lives, motivates my work.

Caity Thompson
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CRC
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
I work with adults ages 22-38 looking to develop personally and professionally. I specialize in helping my clients with coping with anxiety and stress, make decisions, make life transitions, improve self-esteem, and achieve personal advancement. I have a
sports
background that has led me to have a methodical, goal-oriented, results-driven therapy style. My treatment with you will be tailored to your goals and desired outcomes for therapy.

Paul J Park
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I trained as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University; worked at Rutgers University and Bellevue Hospital; and work with highly driven professionals from various industries (art,
sports
, tech, media, medicine, finance) in fostering healthy relationships, resolving family/multicultural issues, and managing performance and social anxiety, OCD, and depression.
I specialize in helping people through loss, traumatic events, and life transitions. You may be stuck, feel out of control, or simply want a different life. Psychotherapy can be helpful in redefining how you relate to others and yourself, and in identifying your needs and nurturing these areas. I can introduce research-supported strategies for coping with difficult emotions, stress, or physical pain when a practical solution is appropriate. An ideal patient would also value an emotion-based and interpersonal approach to treatment; few things can predict the success of treatment like the strong bond between your therapist and you.

Zachary Alti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
Is your relationship stressful? I have helped hundreds of couples with communication issues, infidelity, and emotional detachment. I also specialize in performance enhancement for high achievers in finance, tech, energy, politics, and
sports
. Set up a free consultation to see if I can be of service to you.

Elise McMullen Bitter
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
I believe that the client and therapist relationship is essential to the therapeutic process, so my approach is supportive and collaborative. My style is warm, empathic, and non-judgmental while also honest and direct. Based on my personal and professional expertise in
sports psychology
and career/executive coaching, I will help you master the sport of managing your most meaningful relationships, mental health, and goals. I do so by utilizing holistic and evidence-based approaches, and personalize your treatment based on what's most effective for you.
New York, NY 10013
& Online

Gerald LaMear Bray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, BCD-P
Verified
Verified
I have also provided couples and marital
therapy and have current experience in
panic disorders, phobias, and performance anxiety in the creative arts
and
sports
.
I am an experienced adult psychotherapist with accredited postgraduate training and clinical experience. I have special interests in work-related stress, performance anxiety, eating disorders and interpersonal relationships. I have an active affiliation with many major insurance plans. You can expect to have a consultation within one to two days. My office is conveniently located on the Upper West Side. Curiosity, humor and a toleration of paradox and irony can help. Let's see how we can bring out the best in you and make the world a better place for everyone.
See more therapy options for
Sports Performance Therapists
How does sports psychology work?
Sports psychology helps athletes identify and overcome challenges, such as perfectionism or a fear of failure, and improve key mental skills, such as confidence or concentration. By applying principles and techniques from psychology, such as goal-setting, visualisation, positive self-talk, and emotion regulation, sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance on the field and their well-being overall.
How long does treatment for a sports-related problem take?
The duration of sports psychology treatment depends on the athlete’s individual challenges, goals, the complexity of the interventions used, and even on the length of the season. A performance anxiety issue may be treated with a short-term treatment, like Cognitive behavioural therapy, while issues such as depression, substance abuse, or severe anxiety may require longer-term treatments.
How effective is treatment for sports performance problems?
Sports psychology has been shown to improve performance and help athletes manage their emotions. Sports psychology can be effective in boosting performance, team dynamics, and injury rehabilitation. Over the past decade, nearly every professional sports team in every major sport has added a sports psychologist to its staff. Many colleges have done the same, and even some high school programs have done the same. Olympic hopefuls may consult with sports psychologists starting in elementary school.
What are the limitations of sports psychology?
Sports psychology may have several limitations. Every athlete is unique and may respond differently to sports psychology treatments. Therapy can help an athlete reach their potential; it can help athletes cope with injury and pain, but it cannot change the physical limitations that may be affecting an athlete’s performance.